{"id":4049,"date":"2022-06-14T16:54:06","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T16:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=4049"},"modified":"2022-06-14T16:55:23","modified_gmt":"2022-06-14T16:55:23","slug":"heart-of-a-lion-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/heart-of-a-lion-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart of a Lion \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for an expression to emphasize someone\u2019s courage and willingness to place other people ahead of their safety? You could say they have the \u201cheart of a lion<\/em>.\u201d This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cheart of a lion<\/em>\u201d means that someone has characteristics of bravery and courageousness in their personality, and they display it in their behavior. <\/strong><\/p>\n

A good example is a firefighter working around the time of 9\/11. Many of these first responders decided to venture into the rubble and flames to save innocent victims.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You could say that these heroes have the \u201cheart of a lion<\/em>\u201d because of their selfless behavior and willingness to risk their safety to help others. The lion is a symbol of fearlessness and valor, and by saying someone has the heart of a lion, you\u2019re telling them that they embody these characteristics with their behavior.<\/p>\n

The \u201cheart of a lion<\/em>\u201d compliments people who show exemplary behavior of helping others while disregarding risk. They are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the other person has the best chance of reaching safety. It describes people who take heroic actions to save other people from dire circumstances.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cTim has the heart of a lion. Did you see how he ran up to that river and dived in to save that lady without hesitation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the heart of a lion. There is no way I would hang in there through so many customer rebuttals to close the sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Sipe has the heart of a lion. He was a UFC heavyweight champ, and he\u2019s a firefighter in his spare time. The guy gives back to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you had the heart of a lion? At the first sign of trouble, you turn tail and run? That\u2019s not courageous at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKhabib has the heart of a lion. That guy will never lose. He retired because his mom asked him to stop fighting after his father passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the heart of a lion. You were there for me when I had no one else, and you stayed true to your word the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat man has the heart of a lion. Anyone who would risk their lives running into a burning building to save someone deserves some respect.<\/p>\n

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Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cthe heart of a lion\u201d originates from an African saying. The lion is the \u201cKing of the Jungle\u201d and the most respected big cat in Africa. The lion has a mythical reputation among African tribes for being powerful, defensive, and courageous.<\/p>\n

Finnish director, Dome Karukoski, directed a film by the same name in 2013. The movie was screened at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in the Contemporary World Cinema section.<\/p>\n